US20130217518A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130217518A1
Application number: US13/771,848
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Martin Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-20
Filing date: 2013-02-20
Publication date: 2013-08-22

Abstract

A retractable golf divot tool with detachable ball marking disc is an apparatus that is provided as a dual combination golfing accessory that incorporates a retractable mechanism to extend and retract a divot tool while additionally offering a convenient storage mount for a slightly over-sized marker. The present invention comprises a rounded housing, a divot tool, a retractable mechanism, and a marking disc that detaches. The rounded housing provides a cylindrical shape, convenient overall sizing, and allows for facilitated storage in a plurality of common and frequently utilized compartments. The divot tool and retractable mechanism provide an operative coupling, enabling the tool's forks to be extended when needed and retracted after use. The ball marker is provided with a detachable coupling and rounded housing that secures the marking disc in place, but permits facilitated detachment and re-attachment as necessary.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/600,830 filed on Feb. 20, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a golf accessory, more specifically to a dual combination golfing apparatus that incorporates a retractable divot repair tool and a detachable golf ball marking disc (marker).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known in the sport of golf that golf balls hitting or landing on the green impact the ground with sufficient downward force to compress a section of turf into the soil. These compressed sections of turf, commonly referred to as divots, can noticeably alter the green. If left unattended, divots negatively affect the quality of play, and could over time permanently decay the putting surface, requiring costly and time consuming repairs. While current divot tools function adequately in fixing the turf, they have some inherent disadvantages. One drawback with many of these products is their bulky design. The majority of divot tools are constructed from a single piece of elongated material. While sturdy and simple they can be somewhat troublesome to carry during a round of golf.

In addition to a divot tool, nearly all players use a ball marker of some type. According to The Rules of Golf, a golf ball can be temporarily removed from the surface of a putting green in order to clean said ball, or to prevent said ball from being a distraction or obstruction to another player. The rules additionally state that the temporarily removed golf ball should be replaced with a position identifier (marker) that ensures the ball will be returned to the exact same spot from where it was previously located. These markers are generally round and most are nearly the diameter and thickness of a dime; some are removable components of the aforementioned divot tools. Due to their small size, golfers frequently misplace or lose their markers. The issue can be problematic in finding a truly good carrying/storage location that is quick and convenient when out on the course.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that functions as a combination divot tool and golf ball marking disc. The present invention provides a retractable mechanism for the divot tool and a quick and convenient storage mount for a detachable marker. The divot tool is provided in a manner that enables it to extend from within a circular housing and conveniently retract into said housing after use. The detachable marking disc is provided with a secure mount that permits the detachment and re-attachment of the marker to the housing. A retractable divot tool with an enlarged, detachable marker is provided in a convenient overall size and rounded body shape that allows for varied and facilitated storage options. There are adaptors which should allow for securing this accessory on hats, shoes, etc. Tools that retract, however, offer the additional advantage of causing less damage to clothing when carried in a pocket. Additionally, a slightly bigger marking disc is easier to see and find when placed on the green, while also providing more surface area for graphics and logos. (Markers of practically any dimension will usually affect the ball's speed and direction should a putt unintentionally come into contact with it.) Finally, a design feature is possible for the inclusion of an indentation or ridge into the outside face of the rounded body plate opposite the marking disc side, helping make the tool easier to grasp when using it for the purpose of greens repair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view displaying the component arrangement of the rounded housing, the marking disc, and the divot tool in the expanded position as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view displaying the component arrangement of the rounded housing, the marking disc, and the divot tool in the retracted position as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front expanded perspective view displaying the component arrangement of the rounded housing, the marking disc, the divot tool, and the retractable mechanism as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear expanded perspective view displaying the component arrangement of the rounded housing, the marking disc, the divot tool, and the retractable mechanism as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front expanded perspective view displaying the component arrangement of the rounded housing, the marking disc, the divot tool, and the retractable mechanism with the marking disc detached from the rounded housing as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view displaying the current embodiment of the present invention with the divot tool in the retracted position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view displaying the current embodiment of the present invention with the divot tool in the expanded position.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view displaying the current embodiment of the present invention with the divot tool in the expanded position and the detachable marker removed from the rounded housing.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view displaying the engagements between the divot tool and the retractable mechanism, with the divot tool in the retracted position as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view displaying the engagements between the divot tool and the retractable mechanism, with the divot tool in the expanded position as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

ReferencingFIG. 3 andFIG. 4, the present invention is aretractable divot tool16 that incorporates adetachable marking disc13, wherein the dual purpose apparatus provides a means of repairing impact related divots on a putting green and provides a golf ball marker for indicating the positioning of a temporarily removed ball. Theretractable divot tool16 withdetachable marking disc13 accomplishes these functions while additionally providing a user with a conveniently shaped and sized apparatus that can be easily stored, retrieved, manipulated, and located. The present invention comprises arounded housing1, amarking disc13, adivot tool16, and aretractable mechanism19. Therounded housing1 is the shaped body that houses themarking disc13, thedivot tool16, and theretractable mechanism19. Themarking disc13 is the ball position indicator that is detachably coupled to therounded housing1. Thedivot tool16 is the divot repair instrument that is operatively engaged to theretractable mechanism19. Thedivot tool16 is extendably positioned within therounded housing1. Theretractable mechanism19 is the functional component that enables thedivot tool16 to extend and retract within therounded housing1. Theretractable mechanism19 is coupled to therounded housing1, but is found positioned adjacent to thedivot tool16.

ReferencingFIG. 3-5, in the present invention, therounded housing1 serves as the shaped body that houses themarking disc13, thedivot tool16, and theretractable mechanism19. Therounded housing1 additionally functions as the handle for thedivot tool16 when deployed in an extended configuration, wherein the extended configuration is the operative state when thedivot tool16 is extended from within therounded housing1. In the current embodiment of the present invention, therounded housing1 comprises aplate coupler2, afirst plate5, and asecond plate8. Therounded housing1 is provided as a thin rounded cylindrical body, wherein the circular face sides correspond to either thefirst plate5 or thesecond plate8. Theplate coupler2 is found positioned between thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8. Theplate coupler2 provides an attachment means between thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8, but additionally serves a functional role interacting with thedivot tool16 and theretractable mechanism19. The plate coupler's2 positioning separates thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8 from one another resulting in an interstitial space between thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8.

ReferencingFIG. 9 andFIG. 10, in the present invention, theplate coupler2 comprises aretractable mechanism mount3 and adivot tool mount4. Theretractable mechanism mount3 serves as the attachment point for theretractable mechanism19 to therounded housing1, wherein theretractable mechanism19 is found coupled between thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8 by way ofretractable mechanism mount3. Thedivot tool mount4 serves as the attachment point between thedivot tool16 and therounded housing1. Thedivot tool mount4 provides thedivot tool16 with an attachment means between thefirst plate5 and thesecond plate8, but additionally provides an adjacent positioning to theretractable mechanism19.

ReferencingFIG. 3-5, in the present invention, thefirst plate5 comprises a first exterior side face7 and a firstinterior side face6. Thesecond plate8 comprises a secondexterior side face10 and a secondinterior side face9. The first exterior side face7 serves as the rounded exterior of thefirst plate5. The first exterior side face7 provides therounded housing1 with the most visible portion of thefirst plate5. The first exterior side face7 contains shaped elements that enable facilitated manipulation of thedivot tool16 during use. The shaped elements are formed features, such as grooves and indentations, as well as other features that allow a user to better handle therounded housing1. The firstinterior side face6 is found oriented towards thesecond plate8. The firstinterior side face6 is found coupled to theplate coupler2. The firstinterior side face6 is the portion of thefirst plate5 that is positioned proximal to thedivot tool16 and theretractable mechanism19. Similarly, the secondinterior side face9 is the portion of thesecond plate8 that is found positioned proximal to thedivot tool16 and theretractable mechanism19. The secondinterior side face9 is found engaged to theplate coupler2, but is positioned opposite to the firstinterior side face6. The second exterior side face10 is found oriented away from thefirst plate5. The second exterior side face10 is the most visible portion of thesecond plate8, but additionally functions as the engagement point for the markingdisc13. In order to provide themarking disc13 with a detachable engagement, the second exterior side face10 comprises a secondmagnetic coupler11 and a raiseddisc mount12. The secondmagnetic coupler11 is utilized as the detachable engagement mechanism between thesecond plate8 and the markingdisc13. The secondmagnetic coupler11 is found flush with the secondexterior side face10. The flushed positioning of the secondmagnetic coupler11 to the second exterior side face10 provides the second exterior side face10 with a smooth mounting surface for engaging the markingdisc13. The raiseddisc mount12 cooperatively functions with the secondmagnetic coupler11 to secure themarking disc13 in its detachable engagement. The raiseddisc mount12 is found arcuately positioned on the secondexterior side face10. The raiseddisc mount12 is provided in a manner that permits a flushed engagement when coupled with the markingdisc13.

ReferencingFIG. 8, in the present invention, the markingdisc13 is the detachable component that serves as a golf ball indicator when substituted for the ball on the green. The markingdisc13 is found detachably coupled to therounded housing1, but specifically, the markingdisc13 is found detachably coupled to thesecond plate8. The markingdisc13 comprises arounded housing mount14 and a firstmagnetic coupler15. Therounded housing mount14 is provided as the engagement point between the markingdisc13 and the secondexterior side face10, wherein therounded housing mount14 is found detachably coupled to the secondexterior side face10. The firstmagnetic coupler15 is complementary to the secondmagnetic coupler11 of the secondexterior side face10. The firstmagnetic coupler15 is found positioned within the markingdisc13, but is provided with an operative alignment to the secondmagnetic coupler11. The operative alignment between the firstmagnetic coupler15 and the secondmagnetic coupler11 enables the markingdisc13 to be magnetically retained to the secondexterior side face10. The markingdisc13 aligns flush with the raiseddisc mount12. The alignment between the raiseddisc mount12 and the markingdisc13 provides a secure engagement between the markingdisc13 and the secondexterior side face10.

ReferencingFIG. 1,FIG. 9, andFIG. 10, in the present invention, thedivot tool16 is the divot repair instrument that is found operatively engaged to theretractable mechanism19. Thedivot tool16 is found extendably positioned within therounded housing1, more specifically, thedivot tool16 is found extendably positioned between the first interior side face6 of thefirst plate5 and the second interior side face9 of thesecond plate8. Thedivot tool16 comprises at least twoforks17 and adivot tool actuator18. The at least twoforks17 provide thedivot tool16 with the functional means to repair divots on the putting green. In order to repair a divot, the at least twoforks17 are inserted into the ground and moved so as to level the turf without tearing loose the grass. Once positioned, the at least twoforks17 are manipulated by the user to expand the compressed soil in order to fill the divot's concavity. The at least twoforks17 are found extendably positioned between the firstinterior side face6 and the secondinterior side face9. Thedivot tool actuator18 is operatively coupled to theretractable mechanism19. The operative coupling between theretractable mechanism19 and thedivot tool actuator18 provides thedivot tool16 with a means to extend or retract from therounded housing1. Thedivot tool actuator18 is found positioned peripherally to therounded housing1.

ReferencingFIG. 2 andFIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedivot tool actuator18 is found coupled to the at least twoforks17, wherein thedivot tool actuator18 is an extended portion of the at least twoforks17 always peripherally positioned to therounded housing1. Thedivot tool actuator18 is found operatively coupled to theretractable mechanism19, wherein the operative coupling provides thedivot tool actuator18 with the means to activate or deactivate the secure engagement retaining the at least twoforks17 in a particular pivotal position. With thedivot tool actuator18 being peripherally positioned to therounded housing1 and coupled to the at least twoforks17, activation or deactivation of theretractable mechanism19 would occur upon the rotatable movement of the at least twoforks17 by a user. User movement of thedivot tool actuator18, by way of the at least twoforks17, would securely retain the at least twoforks17 to an extended position or retracted position about thedivot tool mount4.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, therounded housing1 is a thin cylindrical body that is preferably 1.5″ inches in diameter. The shape and size of therounded housing1 is important for the functionality of the present invention due in part to the facilitated storage and retrieval afforded by the particular shape and size. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a particular set of measurements for the diameter of therounded housing1, it should be noted that variations in the measurements and the appearance of therounded housing1 would be considered an obvious difference.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the markingdisc13 is provided with a preferred diameter of about 1″ inch. The preferred 1″ inch diameter for the markingdisc13 allows for facilitated manipulation by the user for the removal and storage to therounded housing1. Additionally, the relative size of the markingdisc13 provides a ball position indicator that is small enough as to not induce unwanted interference when in use during play. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the markingdisc13 with a preferred diameter of 1″ inch, it should be noted that variations in the diameter of the markingdisc13 would be considered an obvious difference.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the markingdisc13 is provided with a firstmagnetic coupler15. Although the firstmagnetic coupler15 is described as being positioned within in the markingdisc13, it should be noted that the positioning may be achieved anywhere relative to the markingdisc13 such that the described alignment between the firstmagnetic coupler15 and the secondmagnetic coupler11 is retained. Utilizing this understanding it would be understood as an obvious difference to provide amarking disc13 that is a magnetic disc. While the described alignment between the firstmagnetic coupler15 and the secondmagnetic coupler11 is provided to securely retain the markingdisc13 to thesecond plate8, it should be noted that additional embodiment may utilize differing coupling means that can include mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theretractable mechanism19 is provided as a spring leaver that secures the pivotal position of thedivot tool16. The spring leaver provides theretractable mechanism19 with the means to securely retain thedivot tool16 to a particular position. When activated by thedivot tool actuator18, the spring leaver compresses allowing thedivot tool16 to pivot about thedivot tool mount4. When thedivot tool16 reaches its desired extended or retracted position, the spring leaver expands to its resting state, locking thedivot tool16 in place. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a spring leaver for theretractable mechanism19, additional embodiment can incorporate differing mechanisms that provide the present invention with an alternative means to extend or retract thedivot tool16. The alternative means to extend or retract thedivot tool16 could comprise a spring loaded mechanism that extends thedivot tool16 along a straight path instead of an arcuate path. In this embodiment thedivot tool16 would extend outwardly from a retracted position through the activation of thedivot tool actuator18. After which thedivot tool16 would be retracted through the same opening via activation of thedivot tool actuator18. This additional embodiment would be most closely described as an out the front mechanism similar to the action of various pocket knives.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theretractable divot tool16 would be stored in the retracted position within therounded housing1. The present invention is provided with the functionality that permits it to be carried in the user's pocket in the retracted position with minimal risk of accidental or unintended activation. Through this function, the present invention carries negligible risk of damaging the user's clothing. Theretractable divot tool16 withdetachable marking disc13 is constructed from a304 stainless steel sheet with a #3 finish. The present invention utilizes a laser cut or water jet cut profile, finished with a tumble and glass bead media to break sharp edges. It should be noted that while the present invention is preferably constructed out of304 stainless steel, alternative embodiments may be manufactured out of any material or out of any combination of suitable materials including, but not limited to steel, aluminum, brass, plastic and ceramic, as well as any combination thereof.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the markingdisc13 is provided as a slightly oversized ball marker that allows for facilitated localization during a game of golf. The markingdisc13 is provided with a diameter of 1″ inch and is considered to be larger than most existing markers. This size disparity provides the markingdisc13 with adequate surface space for the inclusion of graphics and logos. Due to the construction of the present invention, any desired graphic, advertisement, or other sort of image may be used on the markingdisc13 or on the round shape housing of the present invention allowing it to function as part of a branding campaign.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc comprises:

a rounded housing;

a marking disc;

a divot tool;

a retractable mechanism;

the rounded housing comprises a plate coupler, a first plate, and a second plate;

the marking disc comprises a rounded housing mount and a magnetic coupler;

the divot tool comprises at least two forks and a divot tool actuator;

the plate coupler comprises a retractable mechanism mount and a divot tool mount;

the first plate comprises a first interior face side and a first exterior face side;

the second plate comprises a second interior face side and a second exterior face side; and

the second exterior face side comprises a second magnetic coupler and a raised disc mount.

2. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc ofclaim 1, wherein the rounded housing is provided with a thin rounded cylindrical body with a preferred diameter of about 1.5″ inches.

3. The retractable divot tool with detachable marker ofclaim 1, wherein the marking disc is provided with a preferred diameter of about 1″ inch.

4. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc ofclaim 1, wherein the first exterior side face contains shaped elements that enable facilitated manipulation of the divot tool during use, where the shaped elements are grooves, indentations, or other features that allow a user to better handle the rounded housing.

5. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 1 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the rounded housing;

the divot tool being extendably positioned within the rounded housing;

the retractable mechanism being coupled to the rounded housing adjacent to the divot tool;

the divot tool being operatively engaged to the retractable mechanism; and

the plate coupler being positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

6. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 1 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the second plate;

the divot tool being extendably positioned between the first plate and the second plate;

the retractable mechanism being positioned between the first plate and the second plate adjacent to the divot tool;

the plate coupler being coupled to the first interior side face opposite the first exterior side face; and

the plate coupler being coupled to the second interior side face opposite the second exterior side face.

7. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 1 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the second exterior side face by way of the rounded housing mount;

the at least two forks being extendably positioned between the first interior side face and the second interior side face;

the retractable mechanism being coupled between the first interior side face by way of the retractable mechanism mount; and

the divot tool actuator being peripherally positioned to the rounded housing.

8. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 7 comprises:

the at least two forks being pivotally attached to the divot tool mount; and

the at least two forks being pivotally retained by the retractable mechanism.

9. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 7 comprises:

the divot tool actuator being coupled to the at least two forks.

10. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 1 comprises:

the marking disc being flush with the raised disc mount;

the second magnetic coupler being flush with the second exterior side face; and

the first magnetic coupler being magnetically retained to the second magnetic coupler.

11. A retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc comprises:

a rounded housing, wherein the rounded housing is provided with a thin rounded cylindrical body with a preferred diameter of about 1.5″ inches; and;

a marking disc, wherein the marking disc is provided with a preferred diameter of about 1″ inch;

a divot tool;

a retractable mechanism;

the marking disc comprises a rounded housing mount and a magnetic coupler;

the divot tool comprises at least two forks and a divot tool actuator;

the first plate comprises a first interior face side and a first exterior face side, wherein the first exterior side face contains shaped elements that enable facilitated manipulation of the divot tool during use, where the shaped elements are grooves, indentations, or other features that allow a user to better handle the rounded housing;

the second exterior face side comprises a second magnetic coupler and a raised disc mount;

12. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 11 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the rounded housing;

the divot tool being extendably positioned within the rounded housing;

the divot tool being operatively engaged to the retractable mechanism; and

13. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 11 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the second plate;

14. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 11 comprises:

the divot tool actuator being peripherally positioned to the rounded housing.

15. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 14 comprises:

the at least two forks being pivotally attached to the divot tool mount;

the at least two forks being pivotally retained by the retractable mechanism; and

the divot tool actuator being coupled to the at least two forks.

16. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 11 comprises:

the marking disc being flush with the raised disc mount;

the second magnetic coupler being flush with the second exterior side face; and

17. A retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc comprises:

a divot tool;

a retractable mechanism;

the marking disc comprises a rounded housing mount and a magnetic coupler;

the divot tool comprises at least two forks and a divot tool actuator;

the second plate comprises a second interior face side and a second exterior face side;

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the rounded housing;

the divot tool being extendably positioned within the rounded housing;

the divot tool being operatively engaged to the retractable mechanism; and

18. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 17 comprises:

the marking disc being detachably coupled to the second plate;

the plate coupler being coupled to the first interior side face opposite the first exterior side face;

the plate coupler being coupled to the second interior side face opposite the second exterior side face;

the divot tool actuator being peripherally positioned to the rounded housing.

19. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 18 comprises:

the at least two forks being pivotally attached to the divot tool mount;

the divot tool actuator being coupled to the at least two forks.

20. The retractable divot tool with detachable marking disc as claimed inclaim 17 comprises:

the marking disc being flush with the raised disc mount;

the second magnetic coupler being flush with the second exterior side face; and